Meet Our Team
Colette Blishen | Chief Executive Officer
Colette first began what is now known as Hunter Accommodation and Respite Services (HARS) in 2001 and has over 28 years’ experience in the disability sector. Colette has a wealth of knowledge to benefit participants and families with complex needs, as she has worked in various roles from DSW, Manager, Payroll Officer, HR Manager through to Chief Executive Officer.
Colette believes everyone is entitled to the care they need, regardless of their circumstances. Colette respects family connections and has spent many years working with, and alongside families and participants (including during crises), to achieve their short and long-term goals.
Colette was a finalist for Excellence in the Cessnock Customer Service Awards October 2019.
Qualifications
Colette believes everyone is entitled to the care they need, regardless of their circumstances. Colette respects family connections and has spent many years working with, and alongside families and participants (including during crises), to achieve their short and long-term goals.
Colette was a finalist for Excellence in the Cessnock Customer Service Awards October 2019.
Qualifications
- Company Directors Course
- Foundations of Directorship
- Diploma of Disability
- Diploma of Children's Services
- Certificate I and II Auslan Sign Language
Shai Walters | Chief Development Officer
Shai joined the HARS team in 2017, bringing with her over 28 years’ experience from a number of roles in the disability sector, including both government and non-government agencies.
Shai has worked as a DSW, team leader/house manager and immediately prior to joining HARS, was a Case Manager within Department of Family and Community Services (ADHC) for 15 years.
While working in ADHC, Shai enjoyed getting to know and working with a wide range of clients (children and adults) and their families, as well as professional colleagues within a multi-disciplinary team. She gained valuable experience in both general and complex case management, supporting individuals and families during crises, navigating both government and non-government systems, and service/support planning.
Shai has a strong human rights focus, and believes in the shared responsibility of all people to respect, protect and fulfil our obligations under the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disability.
Shai is keen to continue to develop and enhance her skills and looks forward to continued ongoing training.
Qualifications
Shai has worked as a DSW, team leader/house manager and immediately prior to joining HARS, was a Case Manager within Department of Family and Community Services (ADHC) for 15 years.
While working in ADHC, Shai enjoyed getting to know and working with a wide range of clients (children and adults) and their families, as well as professional colleagues within a multi-disciplinary team. She gained valuable experience in both general and complex case management, supporting individuals and families during crises, navigating both government and non-government systems, and service/support planning.
Shai has a strong human rights focus, and believes in the shared responsibility of all people to respect, protect and fulfil our obligations under the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disability.
Shai is keen to continue to develop and enhance her skills and looks forward to continued ongoing training.
Qualifications
- Associate Diploma Social Science (Community Welfare)
- Diploma Work Health & Safety
- Diploma Leadership and Management
- Certificate IV Training and Assessment
- Return to Work Coordination
Katrina Honnery | Chief Administration Officer
Katrina joined HARS 2021 and you'll find her in our office busy working on a wide range of administration, payroll and HR duties on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Katrina enjoys working within the disability support industry and has experience in practice management (healthcare), administration / payroll, disability support work, and foster care; and is looking forward to enhancing her skills and experience at HARS in the years to come.
Qualifications
Katrina enjoys working within the disability support industry and has experience in practice management (healthcare), administration / payroll, disability support work, and foster care; and is looking forward to enhancing her skills and experience at HARS in the years to come.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Community Services
- Certificate IV Disability
Jason Fernance | Senior Services Manager
Jason joined the HARS team in November 2022, bringing over 12 years’ experience across the Aged Care and Disability sectors. Jason is currently furthering his skills through ongoing study in Community Services and Leadership.
Jason is a strong advocate for development. Jason plays an active role in mentoring new support workers. Before joining HARS, he worked in the group training sector, supporting the onboarding of over 400 new entrants to the industry.
With hands-on experience across all levels of care, Jason brings strong leadership and a deep understanding of the sector to his role at HARS.
Jason has strong ties to the local community, growing up in the Maitland area and volunteering for the Rural Fire Service for the last 15 years.
Qualifications
Jason is a strong advocate for development. Jason plays an active role in mentoring new support workers. Before joining HARS, he worked in the group training sector, supporting the onboarding of over 400 new entrants to the industry.
With hands-on experience across all levels of care, Jason brings strong leadership and a deep understanding of the sector to his role at HARS.
Jason has strong ties to the local community, growing up in the Maitland area and volunteering for the Rural Fire Service for the last 15 years.
Qualifications
- Diploma of Community Services
- Certificate III Individual Support - Aged and Disability
- Senior First Aid
- Workplace Health and Safety Training (HSR and Fire Safety)
- Dementia Australia Support Training
- Down Syndrome Australia Support Training
- Undertaking Certificate IV Leadership and Management
